Links
Dan’s Daily: Crosby Explains Process; Ovechkin Injured; Late RFA Drama
It was easily the most unique press conference I’ve covered, but perhaps it was the perfect setting. Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby signed a two-year contract extension Monday, then delivered season tickets to a fan’s home, where we had a small press conference on their back porch. Crosby dug into the details of his thought process, from the need to remain competitive to how much longer he will play. On the ice, the Penguins’ prospect team finished the Buffalo Sabres team in a wild game to complete an undefeated Prospects Challenge. There is last-minute RFA drama across the league as camp opens tomorrow, Alex Ovechkin was injured, and the Edmonton Oilers aren’t done poking around the NHL trade market for a right-shot defenseman.
I was at the Sidney Crosby event instead of the Prospects Challenge, which I watched online. I’m quite glad I didn’t stay for the Monday game–the final score was 8-5, but after a pair of well-played, hard-checking games, it seemed the prospects had a little on Monday. Management goes home Sunday, and the boys let loose. There wasn’t much more to learn. Rutger McGroarty is really good. Avery Hayes (AHL contract) flexed his scoring ability on the line with McGroarty and Vasily Ponomarev.
The only interesting thing on Monday was the goalie situation. Taylor Gauthier either wasn’t happy with himself or was angry over the net-share and slammed his stick after the mid-point goalie swap. Sergei Murashov allowed a couple of softies but also made a few brilliant saves. The Penguins have 2.5 NHL goalies and 3.5 who are AHL goalies, but only two will get to play in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and two will head to Wheeling. There could easily be some raw feelings.
If you missed it, here is the deep dive into which Penguins prospects looked good or NHL-ready and who opened some eyes: Big Weekend for Penguins Prospects; 3 Who Will Arrive Sooner Than Later (+)
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: First, the details, including the structure and signing bonuses. An hour before participating in the annual season ticket delivery, Sidney Crosby signed a contract extension.
During his patio press conference, I think people glossed over (or didn’t understand?) what Sidney Crosby explained. One of those things people skipped over is that president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas assured Crosby the Penguins would remain competitive. Here’s the full story and why Crosby took less money.
**Before the big Sid news, we took the training camp battles a step further and made the case that the overstocking was intentional, not just for competition but also as part of the rebuilding and Penguins’ trade strategy.
Steelers Now: We know who Ben Roethlisberger likes. Big Ben made it clear on his podcast that he thinks Justin Fields should remain the Steelers QB.
One TD in two games (and one erroneously called back). If this is the starter, how bad is Russel Wilson? Wait, don’t answer that.
Pittsburgh Baseball Now: The Pirates wasted another Paul Skenes effort. And dog bites man. Death. Taxes. However, one interesingthing occurred as the Pirates promoted hot prospect Nick Yorke from Triple-A. Here’s the scoop on the Pirates prospect.
NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
First, some good old-fashioned pot-stirring trade rumors.
Great to see the @EdmontonOilers key Management people and HC Kris Knoblauch all in Penticton.
Fully expect the Oilers to be in the market for a 2nd pairing RD…at some point…
Preferably with a little term left…— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) September 15, 2024
32 Thoughts: The last-second RFA drama. Those pesky restricted free agents who can’t realistically leave but aren’t getting what they consider realistic offers from their controlling team. Jeremy Swayman? Unsigned. Moritz Seider? Unsigned. Neidermeyer? Dead! The 32 Thoughts by Elliotte Friedman were only 16 this week, but they were heavy hitters.
Sportsnet: Alex Ovechkin left the captain’s practice in pain. Uh oh…
Philly Hockey Now: After bubbling this summer, it’s the hot story in Philadelphia hockey. Alexei Kolosov wasn’t happy when he bolted North America after his AHL stint with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last season. He’s not reporting to training camp, but the Flyers’ trade price is steep.
Detroit Hockey Now: One restricted free agent who signed on the eve of training camp is Lucas Raymond. The winger is going to be good for a long time. Here are the full details and analysis — he got PAID by the Detroit Red Wings.
NY Post: Oops. At the annual golf outing, Patrick Roy revealed that stud goalie Ilya Sorokin had offseason back surgery.
Hockey acts like the Black Knight. ‘Tis but a scratch. I’ve had worse!
